Marzocchi suspension saved from closure

Exotic motorcycle and mountain bike suspension and exhaust manufacturer Marzocchi has been saved from closure after being bought by a fellow Italian company.

The Italian company’s products are used by a wide variety of motorcycle manufacturers such as Italian brands Ducati, MV Agusta, Bimota, Benelli and Moto Guzzi, plus BMW and even American electric motorcycle company Brammo. Their suspension systems are also used by many road and off-road race teams and are also used in exotic mountain bike brands.

Marzocchi’s parent company Tenneco closed the Bologna factory in April amid reports the company would cease all operations, sending motorcycle manufacturers to seek for alternative components.

However, Italian automotive parts manufacturer VRM has now bought the company from Tenneco with the help of the local and regional authorities to keep some 70 jobs.

VRM has not yet made any announcements bout their plans, but it is expected they will keep the factory open.

Among VRM’s customers are BMW, Ducati, MV Augusta and Ferrari.

Marzocchi was founded in 1949 and was bought in 2008 by $5.9 billion global manufacturing company Tenneco Group of Illinois.

Tenneco had failed to invest heavily in R&D in the company and talked about closing down Marzocchi.

Meanwhile more and more motorcycle manufacturers have been switching to competitors such as Ohlins, Sachs and WP who offer advanced hi-tech electronic suspension systems.

Although still well regarded and now with their own aftermarket semi-active electronic suspension system, Marzocchi finds itself falling behind in the rapid technology race.

It is hoped VRM will be able to help the exotic suspension experts catch up with the competition.